Plainfield Central went undefeated in Southwest Prairie Conference East play last season, while the West remained tremendously competitive with five of six teams reaching the 2021 postseason.

With schools finding it increasingly difficult to locate officiating crews, the Southwest Prairie Conference has elected to move its Week 3 and Week 4 games to Thursday nights this fall.

The road map for football teams was laid out by the IHSA on Thursday. Here's a closer look at what lies ahead for Herald-News area squads.

Get ready for Week 9 with our game previews from around Will County and the Joliet area.

Get ready for Week 8 with our game previews from around Will County and the Joliet area.

Get ready for Week 5 with our game previews from around Will County and the Joliet area.

Get ready for Week 4 with our game previews from around Will County and the Joliet area.

The Southwest Prairie Conference features some fierce rivalries. Oswego regained the West Division's top spot during the spring but keeping the title won't be easy.

The 2021 Herald-News All-Area Football team is revealed.